#IWD2024: Creative Women - Kathryn MacDonald
05 March 2024
To celebrate International Women's Day on Friday 8th March 2024, we're featuring interviews with dynamic, trailblazing, and courageous women working in creative fields, who have a connection to Lancashire. Meet Kathryn MacDonald, who has been involved with More Music, a music charity in Morecambe, since 1996.
International Women's Day (IWD) is an annual global event celebrating women and their achievements.
IWD was first initated in 1911 and has since grown into a global movement encouraging us to stand up for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world, free of discrimination and stereotypes.
This year's campaign theme is #InspireInclusion to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women.
When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
As part of our #IWD2024 "Creative Women" Series, meet Kathryn MacDonald.
Katherine is the Executive Director of More Music, a community music and education charity based in the West End of Morecambe and working throughout the North West and internationally.
More Music's mission is to build confidence and spirit in individuals and communities through the arts, especially music. It was first established by Pete Moser in 1993.
Kathryn joined the charity as the Development Director in 1996, and took on the role of Executive Director in 2020.
Over the years, Kathryn has helped to develop and shape the charity's focus, forging local partnerships, raising funding and working tirelessly to help people develop their skills and create opportunities for joy.
After 28 years with MoreMusic, in 2024, Kathryn will be stepping down from her role to pursue new adventures.
Kathryn, tell us more about you. What is your connection to Lancashire?
Lancashire is where I live, where I work, and where I walk.
It’s been my home for a very long time.
It's the place I’ve had my children, (all proud Lancastrians, even though they no longer live here).
I lived first in Lancaster, and for the past 20 years on the promenade in Morecambe, which has arguably one of the best views anywhere.
What inspires or motivates your creative practice?
Young people inspire me.
I am particularly interested and have always been interested in the progress of young women and the opportunities we can create, which enable them to thrive creatively and socially.
Morecambe Bay fascinates and inspires for its exceptional beauty alongside the unique challenges experienced by the people living here.
The projects we make at MoreMusic respond to the local environment and focus on progression for young people, well-being for all and community cohesion.
Any advice for women starting out or making their mark in the creative industries?
Be inspired and learn from others, there are so many fabulous creative women working in Lancashire and everywhere.
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help. People love to help.
Stand in solidarity, create opportunities, take opportunities and most of all, be kind.
How do you think we can encourage inclusion, remove barriers, and offer the right types of support, to increase opportunities in our sector and communities?
Inclusion is at the heart of our organization, and also central to my values and beliefs.
It all starts with the welcome, how we listen and how people are encouraged to listen to each other, how we learn about each other, how we build understanding and respect, to establish a culture of belonging.
At More Music we encourage inclusion by creating opportunities where people can be together in a supported creative space and we establish conditions in which everyone has an opportunity to be heard and their creativity celebrated.
Inspiring role models have an important part to play and representation at every level is a necessity alongside equality and access to music for all.
More about More Music
This community music and education charity has over 30 years of experience delivering workshops, training, performances and festivals across the North West and beyond, offering a year-round programme of inclusive music making and cultural events, which are rooted in, and informed by, the local environment.
More Music is also an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation in recognition of their valuable contribution to arts, culture and community building in the region.
- Website: moremusic.org.uk
- Facebook: @More.Music1
- X @MoreMusic1
- Instagram: @moremusic1
- YouTube: @MoreMusicMorecambe
Images supplied by More Music, photo credits - Ginny Koppenhol, Phil Keen, Robin Zahler.
About IWD
International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.
Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.
We invite you to inspire inclusion in your own work and life.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.
Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.
IWD Belongs to everyone, everywhere.
Inclusion means all IWD actions is valid.
#IWD2024 #InspireInclusion
Website: internationalwomensday.org